Vanda plant named ‘SPCDW1405’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Vanda  cultivar named ‘SPCDW1405’ which is characterized by the combination of a unique light blue general tonality of the flower with a pronounced tessellated color pattern of a slightly darker blue coloration, undulating sepal and petal margins, a dark violet labellum, frequent flowering, and the stability of all characteristics from generation to generation. The new variety is a  Vanda , typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Latin name of the genus and species: The Latin name of the genus and species of the novel variety disclosed herein is Vanda spp. Jones ex R. Br.

Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Vanda disclosed herein has been given the variety denomination ‘SPCDW1405’.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the Community Plant Variety Rights application number 2014/2943, filed Nov. 14, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parentage: The Vanda variety ‘SPCDW1405’ originated as a naturally occurring, whole-plant mutation of Vanda ‘Blue Magic’ (unpatented in the United States, Netherlands Plant Breeder's Rights No. 020716), a variety developed and owned by the inventor. The inventor of ‘SPCDW1405’ is a commercial ornamental plant producer and regularly discovers mutations of Vanda ‘Blue Magic’ at his greenhouse operation in Bangphra, Thailand. For said mutations which seem to exhibit commercial potential, cuttings are taken to produce trial plants which are subsequently grown for evaluation. This process resulted in the selection of a limited number of single plants with commercial potential. Micro propagation of said plants was initiated in the laboratory of breeder and limited amounts of trial plants were grown to the flowering stage, after which the positive characteristics were evaluated again. The variety now called ‘SPCDW1405’ was initially discovered in February of 2009 at the inventor's greenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand, as one such mutation of ‘Blue Magic’.

Asexual Reproduction: Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1405’, by way of mericloning, was first initiated in April of 2009 at a commercial laboratory belonging to the inventor in Bangphra, Thailand, with the first mericlones so reproduced flowering in 2014. Access to all plants was restricted, as plants were kept in a greenhouse not open to the public, and tissue culture plantlets were in a laboratory belonging to the inventor, and not accessible to the public. Through five subsequent generations, the unique features of this cultivar have proven to be stable and true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘SPCDW1405’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘SPCDW1405’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘SPCDW1405’ as a new and distinct Vanda cultivar:

-   -   1. Vanda ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits a unique light blue general         tonality of the flower, with a pronounced tessellated color         pattern of a slightly darker blue coloration; and     -   2. Vanda ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits a dark violet general tonality of         the labellum; and     -   3. Vanda ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits broad, concave flower petals; and     -   4. Vanda ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits sepals and flower petals which are         curled or twisted in a propeller fashion; and     -   5. Vanda ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits a very light violet to         nearly-white pedicellate ovary; and     -   6. Vanda ‘SPCDW1405’ flowers frequently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, an exemplary plant of ‘SPCDW1405’ grown in a commercial greenhouse in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands. This plant is approximately 5 years old from the time of mericloning, shown planted in an 8 by 8 cm container.

FIG. 2 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, the typical foliage of ‘SPCDW1405’.

FIG. 3 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, the typical flowers of ‘SPCDW1405’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following observations and measurements made in October of 2015 describe averages from a sample set of six specimens of five year-old ‘SPCDW1405’ plants grown in a greenhouse in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands. Temperatures ranged were approximately 23 degrees Celsius during the day and 19 degrees Celsius at night. No photoperiodic or chemical treatments were given to the plants. No artificial light was given to the plants.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘SPCDW1405’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ from the descriptions set forth herein with variations in environmental, climactic and cultural conditions. Color notations are based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2015 (sixth edition).

A botanical description of ‘SPCDW1405’ and comparisons with other varieties of Vanda are provided below.

-   Plant description:     -   -   Growth habit.—Perennial; monopodial, upright. Single             monopodial leafy stem, with flowers carried slightly above             the leaf plane, inflorescences grow from the leaf axils.         -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so             no soil line present) to top of foliage.—32.5 cm.         -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so             no soil line present) to top of flowers.—59.2 cm.         -   Plant spread.—Average of 36.3 cm.         -   Normal pot size.—Hanging basket (8 by 8 cm, square).         -   Growth rate.—Moderate.         -   Plant vigor.—Moderate.         -   Propagation type.—Meristematic tissue culture propagation             using the base of the leaves.         -   Propagation details.—The time needed from for the start of a             mericlone to get the small plants ready for deflasking is             approximately 24 months under a controlled temperature of             about 26 degrees Celsius. After that period, plants have             matured roots. Plants start to make roots in the last 6             months in flasks. After deflasking they remain in a shaded             and controlled environment.         -   Disease and pest resistance or susceptibility.—Similar to             other Vanda varieties.         -   Environmental tolerances.—Adapt to, at least, USDA Zones 11             and 12; high tolerance to rain; moderate to high tolerance             to wind. -   Root system:     -   -   General.—Moderately rooting; with aerial roots only.         -   Dimensions, mature roots.—48.4 cm long with a diameter of             0.5 cm, on average.         -   Texture.—Very fleshy; non-fibrous.         -   Color.—Greyed-Green, near RHS 192A to 192B; root apex is             yellow-green, RHS 144B. -   Stem:     -   -   Branching habit.—Single monopodial leafy stem.         -   Number of primary (main) stems per plant.—One.         -   Number of secondary (lateral) branches per plant.—None.         -   Appearance and shape.—Circular, formed by the leaf sheaths.         -   Length.—17.6 cm.         -   Diameter.—1.3 cm.         -   Internode length.—0.8 cm.         -   Luster.—Matte.         -   Aspect.—Near vertical.         -   Strength.—Very strong.         -   Color, juvenile.—Yellow-green, near 145B to 145C.         -   Color, mature.—Yellow-green, near 145B to 145C.         -   Color at internodes.—Yellow-green, near 145B to 145C.         -   Pubescence.—Glabrous. -   Foliage:     -   -   Arrangement.—Distichous.         -   Quantity.—Approximately 21 leaves per plant.         -   Dimensions.—18.1 cm long and 3.1 cm wide, on average.         -   Shape of blade.—Ligulate; moderately carinate.         -   Aspect.—Slightly curved and moderately twisted.         -   Apex.—Unequal praemorse.         -   Base.—Sheathing.         -   Sheath dimensions.—1.5 cm long and 1.4 cm wide, on average.         -   Sheath color.—Yellow-Green, near RHS 145B.         -   Margin.—Entire.         -   Pubescence, texture and luster of adaxial surface.—Glabrous,             smooth, and slightly glossy.         -   Pubescence, texture and luster of abaxial surface.—Glabrous,             smooth, and matte.         -   Color.—Juvenile foliage, adaxial surface — Green, near RHS             143A to 143B. Juvenile foliage, abaxial surface — Green,             near RHS 143B to 143C. Mature foliage, adaxial surface —             Green, nearest to RHS 143A, yet darker. Mature foliage,             abaxial surface — Yellow-green RHS 144A.         -   Venation.—Parallel.         -   Venation color, adaxial surface.—Green, nearest to RHS 143A,             yet darker.         -   Venation color, abaxial surface.—Green, near RHS 143C.         -   Petiole.—No petioles present, leaves sessile. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Inflorescence arrangement.—Axially placed raceme.         -   Natural flowering season.—Autumn into winter.         -   Inflorescence quantity.—One.         -   Flowers per inflorescence.—Average of 8 open flowers and 1             unopened flower bud.         -   Inflorescence height.—Approximately 26.0 cm (measured from             base of lowest flower to top of upper flower).         -   Inflorescence diameter.—Approximately 21.1 cm.         -   Peduncle.—Dimensions — Approximately 45.3 cm long and 0.6 cm             wide. Aspect — Approximately 25° angle to lateral branch             axis. Strength — Moderately strong. Texture and luster —             Glabrous and moderately glossy. Color — Yellow-green, near             RHS 144B. -   Bud:     -   -   Length.—Average of 1.5 cm.         -   Diameter.—Average of 1.1 cm.         -   Shape.—Broad obovate.         -   Pubescence, texture and luster.—Glabrous, smooth and             moderately glossy.         -   Color.—Yellow-green, near RHS 145B; apex and immature spur             are tinged with purple, near N77D. -   Flower:     -   -   Flower type.—Zygomorphic (orchidaceous), typical shape for             the genus Vanda.         -   Flowering habit.—Moderate.         -   Shape.—Zygomorphic, single; consisting of three sepals and             three petals, one of which is transformed into a labellum;             the two lateral petals moderately to heavily overlap the             dorsal sepal and the lateral sepals; lateral sepals are             touching; dorsal sepal is free of the lateral sepals.         -   Aspect.—Flowers are outward-facing to slightly nodding.         -   Height.—Approximately 12.3 cm.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 12.5 cm.         -   Depth.—Approximately 5.6 cm.         -   Fragrance.—No fragrance.         -   Lastingness.—3 weeks.         -   Persistent.—Self-cleaning.         -   Petals.—Quantity of Petals — 3; two conventional petals and             one labellum. Arrangement — One lateral petal on each side.             Length — Approximately 6.1 cm. Width — Approximately 5.4 cm.             Shape — Broad ovate to near orbicular. Apex — Obtuse. Base —             Cuneate. Margin — Entire; moderately undulate. Pubescence,             texture and luster of upper surface — Glabrous, velvety and             matte. Pubescence, texture and luster of lower surface —             Glabrous, velvety and matte. Color when opening, upper             surface — White, near RHS NN155D; apex is violet, near RHS             N87D. Color when opening, lower surface — White, near RHS             NN155D; apex is violet, near RHS N87D. Color when fully             opened, upper surface — White, near RHS NN155C. Color when             fully opened, lower surface — White, near RHS NN155C.             Fading, upper surface — Not fading. Fading, lower surface —             Not fading. Venation color, fully opened, upper surface —             Violet to violet-blue, near N88B and 90B to 90C. Venation             color, fully opened, lower surface — Violet, in between near             N88B and N88C.         -   Labellum.—Shape — Three-lobed; the shape of the lateral             lobes is broad ovate and the aspect is involute; the central             lobe is near rhombic and the aspect is revolute. Length —             Central lobe — Approximately 2.3 cm. Lateral lobes —             Approximately 1.0 cm. Width — Central lobe — Approximately             1.3 cm. Lateral lobes — Approximately 0.7 cm. Apex — Central             lobe — Emarginate. Lateral lobes — Unequally emarginated.             Base — Central lobe — Cuneate. Lateral lobes — Cuneate.             Margin — Entire; central lobe moderately undulate and             lateral lobes not undulate. Texture and luster of upper             surface — Central lobe — Glabrous, velvety, and matte.             Lateral lobes — Glabrous, velvety, and matte. Texture and             luster of lower surface — Central lobe — Glabrous, velvety,             and matte. Lateral lobes — Glabrous, velvety, and matte.             Color when opening, upper surface — Central lobe — Violet,             near N87A. Lateral lobes — White, near RHS NN155C; tinged             with greyed-purple, near RHS 186D, with a small yellow dot,             near RHS 12B. Color when opening, lower surface — Central             lobe — Violet, near RHS N87A; fading to white RHS N155A             towards the base. Lateral lobes — White, near RHS NN155A;             tinged with purple towards the apex, near RHS 76C; based is             purple, RHS N78A. Color when fully opened, upper surface —             Central lobe — Violet, in between near RHS N87A and N88A,             yet darker. Lateral lobes — White, near RHS NN155C; tinged             with purple, near RHS 76C; base is purple, near RHS N78A,             with a small yellow dot, near RHS 12B. Color when fully             opened, lower surface — Central lobe — Violet, in between             near RHS N87A and N88A; closest to N87A. Lateral lobes —             White, near RHS NN155A. Fading, upper surface — Not fading.             Fading, lower surface — Not fading. Venation color, fully             opened, upper surface — Central lobe — Violet, in between             near RHS N87A and N88A, yet darker. Lateral lobes — White,             near RHS NN155C; tinged with purple, near RHS 76C. Venation             color, fully opened, lower surface — Central lobe — Violet,             in between near RHS N87A and N88A; closest to N87A. Lateral             lobes — White, near RHS NN155A.         -   Spurs.—Quantity — Average of 1. Length — Approximately             1.0 cm. Diameter — Approximately 0.4 cm. Vertical height —             Approximately 0.7 cm, at the base. Shape — Short triangular.             Apex — Bluntly acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Pubescence,             texture and luster — Glabrous, smooth, and matte. Color —             Violet-blue, near RHS 91 D; violet, near RHS N88C to N88D,             towards the apex.         -   Sepals.—Quantity — Average of 3 unfused sepals. Arrangement             — One dorsal sepal and two lateral sepals. Length — Dorsal             sepal — Approximately 6.5 cm. Lateral sepals — Approximately             7.0 cm. Width — Dorsal sepal — Approximately 5.8 cm. Lateral             sepals — Approximately 7.1 cm. Shape — Dorsal sepal — Broad             ovate. Lateral sepals — Near orbicular. Apex — Obtuse. Base             — Cuneate. Margin — Entire and slightly to moderately             undulate. Pubescence, texture and luster — Glabrous,             velvety, and matte. Color when opening, upper surface —             White, near RHS NN155D; apex is violet, near RHS N87D. Color             when opening, lower surface — White, near RHS NN155D; apex             is violet, near RHS N87D. Color when fully opened, upper             surface — White, near RHS NN155C. Color when fully opened,             lower surface — White, near RHS NN155C. Fading, upper             surface — Not fading. Fading, lower surface — Not fading.             Venation color, fully opened, upper surface — Dorsal sepal —             Violet, near RHS N88B. Lateral sepal — Violet to             violet-blue, near in between RHS N88B and 90C. Venation             color, fully opened, lower surface — Dorsal sepal — Violet,             near RHS N88B. Lateral sepal — Violet to violet-blue, near             in between RHS N88B and 90C.         -   Pedicels.—Length — Approximately 6.2 cm. Diameter —             Approximately 0.5 cm. Angle — Approximately 50° angle to             peduncle axis. Strength — Moderate. Texture — Glabrous,             axially angled with 5 “ribs”, axially twisted (due to             resupination). Luster — Glossy. Color — White, RHS NN155C.         -   Bract.—Quantity — One bract present at the base of each             pedicel. Shape — Deltoid; folded around the base of the             pedicel. Dimensions — Average of 1.5 cm long and 2.3 cm             wide. Apex — Broad acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Margins —             Entire. Color, both surfaces — Yellow-green, near RHS N144A. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Column.—Length — Approximately 0.7 cm. Diameter —             Approximately 0.7 cm. Color — White RHS NN155D.         -   Ovary.—Position — Inferior. Diameter — Approximately 0.2 cm.             Color — Yellow-green RHS 150D.         -   Pollinia color.—Yellow-orange RHS 14A. -   Seed and fruit: No fruit and seed production has been detected to     date.

COMPARISONS WITH THE PARENT PLANT

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1405’ are similar to the parent, Vanda ‘Blue Magic’, in most horticultural characteristics. However ‘SPCDW1405’ differs from the parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibit a light blue general         tonality, whereas the flowers of ‘Blue Magic’ exhibit a dark         blue general tonality.     -   2. ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits dark violet general tonality of the         labellum, whereas ‘Blue Magic’ exhibits a darker violet general         tonality of the labellum.     -   3. ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits a very light violet to nearly-white         pedicellate ovary, whereas ‘Blue Magic’ exhibits a light violet         ovary.

COMPARISON WITH THE MOST SIMILAR VANDA CULTIVAR KNOWN TO THE INVENTOR

‘SPCDW1405’ is similar in many horticultural characteristics to the commercial variety Vanda ‘SPCDW1103’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,029). However ‘SPCDW1405’ differs from ‘SPCDW1103’ in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. The sepals and petals of ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibit a light blue         tessellation pattern against a very light violet to nearly-white         background, whereas the sepals and petals of ‘SPCDW1103’ exhibit         a very light blue tessellation pattern contrasted against a         greyish-white background.     -   2. The tessellated color pattern on the sepals and petals of         ‘SPCDW1405’ is very pronounced, whereas the tessellation of         ‘SPCDW1103’ is inconspicuous.     -   3. ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibits a darker violet general tonality of the         labellum, when compared to the lighter violet general tonality         of the ‘SPCDW1103’ labellum.     -   4. The flower petals of ‘SPCDW1405’ are broader than the petals         of ‘SPCDW1103’.     -   5. The flower petals of ‘SPCDW1405’ are concave, whereas the         petals of ‘SPCDW1103’ are flat.     -   6. The sepals and petals of ‘SPCDW1405’ are curled or twisted in         a propeller fashion, whereas ‘SPCDW1103’ exhibits less of said         curling.     -   7. The sepals and petals of ‘SPCDW1405’ exhibit a lesser degree         of overlapping when compared to the sepals and petals of         ‘SPCDW1103’. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Vanda plant named ‘SPCDW1405’, substantially as described and illustrated herein. 